Sunday, August 15, 2010

Q and A with Fiji: Valuing their biodiversity

15 August, Fiji - The Department of Environment of Fiji has taken the biodiversity planning at policy level back to stakeholders to gain input and feedback. A three day meeting in held mid-August saw people come together to review the six themes which directs the conservation work undertaken in Fiji, by both government, ngos and interested partners.’

Forest conversion, in-shore fisheries, coastal development, invasive species, protected areas and threatened species are the six key issues that are at the centre of the Fiji National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

Having completed a review of the Fiji Biodiversity action plan, Fiji is finding the Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity a helpful gathering. Ms. Eleni Tokaduadua is representing Fiji at the meeting in Nadi this week.

L - R: Kiribati, Fiji, FSM

Q. Why this meeting is important for Fiji?A. "Fiji has recently undertaken national consultations on issues relating to its thematic areas under the national biodiversity strategy and action plan to identify issues that will help the department of environment formulate its national positions to take to the COP 10 in Nagoya in October. The pre-COP meeting is an opportunity to share Fiji’s issues on the Cop10 agenda and also to help formulate a regional position with other regional parties. This will certainly assist Fiji progress its preparation towards the COP10 to another level. "

Q. Why is the COP meeting important for Fiji?A. "One of the things that came out strongly at the national consultation is the different roles that people from different levels of experience have on Fiji’s biodiversity and also the importance of the COP processes for conventions such as the CBD. Some of them were experts, others were not. The consultation was a process for people and partners to see where their input is going and give them a sense of direction in their biodiversity work. They all learnt that their work plays a role at the national, regional and international level.

We were able to explain the COP process to people, as it is, only the policy makers and those engaged in the COP programme that have a full knowledge of the COP meeting and mechanism. But it is such an important part as it determines the direction for national implementation. Having a consultative process at the national level gives people a feeling of ownership of their work and the achievements".

Talking the talk: Quick pointers:COP means Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological DiversityCOP 10 means the 10th Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan in October.